It really comes down to personal preference. I chose my Santana 30 because I wanted something more performance oriented that still had a decent amount of space. It fit the budget at the time and allowed me to get into a 30' boat on a 25-27' budget. I love the boat. She sails very well, and she is very well built. That doesn't mean it is the right boat for you.

You really need to go to your local yacht brokers and look at boats. You can't get a good impression of an interior through pictures alone. You need to go down below and stand at the galley, sit at the table, lay down on a berth to know if the boat feels good. When it comes to choosing a specific boat for purchase even the smell tells you alot! All old boats have a certain smell to them; some nicer than others! some of the smells point to potential problems with moisture, septic system etc. When I bought my boat I first looked at a local boat, and I liked what I saw. What I didn't like was the asking price. I then looked in 48 North and found a much nicer one for less money in Portland, and bought that one.

Never mind what appeals to us, you need to find the boats that speak to YOU! most of the boats listed so far would be excellent for cruising the Gulf Islands, and most could easily handle seasonal trips up the west coast.

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